12 of the best hikes in Snowdonia National Park
Home to some of the most dramatic mountains in the UK and with over 1,700 miles of trails to explore, Snowdonia National Park is a hikers dream.
This blog post outlines 12 of the best day hikes in Snowdonia National Park. In my opinion they encompass the best terrain alongside providing you with some of the most breath-taking views within the national park.
That being said, the majority of these hikes are very challenging and might not be for everyone. They require high levels of fitness, a proper hiking app, the correct gear, and involve elements of scrambling which will either leave you euphoric or may cause you to have a mild panic attack, so proceed at your own risk.
Rather than clog up this post with text, each hike has a separate blog post which gives full breakdown of the route, interactive maps, photos, and information on where to park.
Hikes at a glance:
Snowdon Horseshoe
Tryfan & The Glyderau
Cnicht & The Moelwyns
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path
Pen yr Ole Wen & The Carneddau
Y Garn via Devils Kitchen
Nantlle Ridge
Moel Siabod
Aber Falls
Aran Fawddwy
Rhinog Fach and Rhinog Fawr
The Welsh 3000s
Snowdon Horseshoe
Hike Type: Loop
Hike Distance: 11.5 Km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,161m
Hike Difficulty: Very Hard
Technical aspects: Grade 1 scrambling
There are several routes up Snowdon, but one stands well above the rest in terms of sheer wow factor, the Snowdon Horseshoe.
Widely regarded as one of the finest day hikes and ridge walks in the UK, this is a route that delivers from start to finish. Depending on your head for heights, it will either leave you completely blown away or seriously testing your nerves.
The Horseshoe showcases everything that makes the Snowdon massif so special. Expect huge panoramic views, exposed ridgelines, and the infamous Crib Goch knife edge, one of the most exhilarating scrambles in the UK. Despite its popularity, once you are on the ridge, it often feels far quieter than the busy summit routes.
This is a serious mountain day and not one to underestimate. If you are looking for a safer and more straightforward way to reach the summit, a great alternative is to ascend via the Pyg Track and descend via the Miners Track, both of which start and finish at Pen-y-Pass.
Crib Goch
Tryfan, Glyder Fach, and Glyder Fawr
Hike Distance: 12km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,097m
Hike Difficulty: Very hard
Technical aspects: Grade 1 scrambling
This is a breath-taking day hike which summits the iconic peaks of Tryfan, Glyder Fach, and Glyder Fawr. Not only are the views just as spectacular as summiting Snowdon but here you’ll find a fraction of the crowds,
The route encompasses dramatic alpine-esque scrambles, jaw-dropping 360-degree views, and a series of unique topographical features that you won’t find anywhere else in Snowdonia.
Warning this a very tough mountain day involving summiting three peaks over 3,000ft and ascending/descending several exposed rocky sections. In addition, the initial ascent involves tackling the notorious Tryfan North face, a very exposed route suited for those without a fear of heights and who are comfortable scrambling on steep mountain terrain.
This route should only be attempted with the proper equipment and supplies and should not be undertaken in poor weather.
Looking towards the Snowdon Massif from the summit of Glyder Fawr
Cnicht, Moelwyn Mawr, & Moelwyn Bach
Hike Distance: 15km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,100m
Hike Difficulty: Very hard
Technical aspects: Some minor, non-exposed scrambling
A majestical day hike which is arguably up there with the best in Wales. The 15km loop has it all, sensational panoramic views from three different summits, a wide variety of interchanging landscapes from abandoned slate quarries to hydroelectric dams, and certain remoteness which makes you feel like you are in the last wilderness of Wales.
This would be my choice of hike if I was seeking a epic day out in Snowdonia without the crowds.
For a full breakdown of the hike including where to park, a detailed route guide, alongside photos and I Interactive maps, check out my separate hike guide below.
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path
Hike Distance: 10km
Hike Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 915m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical aspects: None
Cadair Idris or 'Idris's Chair’ as it’s translated too, is one of the three mountains which make up the Welsh Three Peaks.
Shrouded in Welsh myth and legend this mountain lies at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park near the town of Dolgellau.
At 891m it may not be the highest mountain in Wales, but it’s a corker of a hike that certainly packs a punch. On a clear day the summit offers phenomenal 360 panoramic views across southern Snowdonia.
Cadir Idris is a tough hike but isn’t at all technical its also a great way to escape the busier peaks of northern Snowdonia.
Pen Yr Ole Wen & The Carneddau
Hike Distance: 15km
Hike Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 900m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: None
This monster 15km hike summits Pen yr Ole Wen, before looping around the Carneddau range to the second-highest peak in Wales, Carnedd Llewelyn (1,064 m).
The route offers tremendous views over the Ogwen Valley towards the iconic peaks of Tryfan and the Glyderau. The hike also involves over 3,000 ft of ascent and descent so don’t forget to pop an ibuprofen and strap up those knees.
Y Garn via Devils Kitchen
Hike Type: Loop
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Hike Distance: 7.3 km
Hike Duration: 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 610m
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
Y Garn is one of the best viewpoint peaks in Snowdonia, offering incredible panoramic views that you could easily argue are among the finest in the National Park.
It is a hike I keep coming back to, mainly because of the view to effort ratio. For relatively little time and distance, you get a summit that delivers huge 360 degree vistas across the Ogwen Valley, including Tryfan, the Glyderau, and beyond.
If you are short on time, the most direct route is up the north face, where strong hikers can reach the summit in around an hour. The more popular route via Devil’s Kitchen is slightly longer but adds more drama to the ascent.
On the way back down, you can finish with a dip in Llyn Idwal, which sits at the base of the mountain and is one of the most scenic wild swimming spots in Snowdonia.
Thanks to its open summit and uninterrupted views, Y Garn is also a brilliant choice for both sunrise and sunset hikes, especially on a clear day.
Nantlle Ridge
Hike Type:One Way
Hike Distance: 11 km
Hike Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 960m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
A classic ridge walk which will seem like a world away from the crowds of Snowdon.
This hike is easily one of my top three in Snowdonia and one which would implore people to take on.
Alongside have a fraction of the crowds this exhilarating ridgeline isn’t as technical or exposed as Crib Goch or Tryfan, making it a great option for those wanting an easier ridgeline walk.
I would recommend tackling this hike with two cars so you can traverse the whole ridge without doubling back on yourself.
Moel Siabod
Hike Type: Loop
Hike Length: 9.2 Km
Hike Duration: 3.5 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 738m
Route Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
Moel Siabod may not be the highest peak in Snowdonia however the views from its 872m summit are up there with the best in the National Park. On a good day it’s possible to see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3,000’s from the top of this solitary mountain.
This views and a the variety of terrain encountered on this hike make it a great crowd free alternative to the more popular hikes in Snowdonia.
For a full breakdown of the hike including where to park, a detailed route guide, alongside Interactive maps, check out my separate hike guide below:
Aber Falls
Hike Type: Out and Back
Route Length: 2.7 Miles / 4.2 Km
Hike Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 140m
Route Difficulty: Easy
Technical Aspects: None
I thought I would include at least one gentle hike on this list, because you cant abuse your legs everyday of the week.
Situated at the northern foothills of the Carneddau in the far north of the National Park, lies Aber Falls , one of Snowdonia’s most impressive and beautiful waterfalls.
Part of the Afon Goch, the the 37m waterfall dramatically spills down a sheer rock face and crashes into a shallow plunge pool.
The great thing about this walk is that it’s one of the shorter and more accessible walks in the Snowdonia. The 2km pushchair friendly path is perfect for those with families and means that it can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
Aran Fawddwy
Hike Type: loop
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 850m
Difficulty: moderate- Hard
Technical Difficulty: None
Aran Fawddwy is one of the most underrated mountains in Snowdonia and at 905m, is the highest peak in southern Snowdonia. Despite its size, it sees a fraction of the traffic compared to Snowdon or the Ogwen Valley, making it a great choice if you are looking for a quieter mountain day.
The route from Cwm Cywarch is the most popular and offers a steady, rewarding climb with incredible views that open up as you gain height. From the summit, you get a vast panorama across mid Wales, with a real sense of space and isolation that is hard to find on the more popular peaks.
What makes this hike stand out is the feeling of remoteness. Once you are on the mountain, it feels wild, quiet, and completely removed from the crowds.
Rhinogs Traverse
Hike Type: One Way
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 6-10 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,300m
Difficulty: Very hard
Technical Difficulty: rocky and bocky terrain alongside light Scrambling
The Rhinogs Traverse is one of the toughest and most rugged hikes in Snowdonia, and easily one of the most rewarding.
Linking Rhinog Fach and Rhinog Fawr, this route takes you through a wild and unforgiving landscape filled with rough, rocky terrain, heather, and constant ups and downs. There is no easy walking here, progress can be slow, and navigation can be tricky, especially in poor visibility.
What you get in return is a true sense of adventure. The Rhinogs feel completely different to the rest of Snowdonia, quieter, harsher, and far more remote. On a good day, the views stretch from the mountains of Eryri to the coast, with very few people around.
This is a route for experienced hikers only. Good fitness, solid navigation skills, and plenty of preparation are essential if you want to enjoy it safely.
The Welsh 3000s
Hike Type: One Way
Route Difficulty: Absolutely brutal
Route Length: 45-50km
Hike Duration: 9-24 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,700m
Technical Aspects: Too many to name
The Welsh 3000s is widely regarded as the most challenging and iconic day hike in Wales. It is the kind of route that will either give you one of the most memorable days of your life, or completely break you.
The challenge involves summiting all 15 peaks in Wales over 3,000ft within 24 hours, without using any form of transport. The clock starts when you reach your first summit and stops as soon as you stand on the final one.
From the first peak to the last, the route covers roughly 40 to 42km and includes around 3,100m of elevation gain. Once you factor in the approach to the first summit and the descent from the final peak, you are looking at closer to 50km and nearly 3,700m of ascent.
This is not just a physical challenge. It demands serious endurance, strong navigation skills, and the ability to keep moving through fatigue, often in the dark. Even with solid preparation and ideal weather, there are no guarantees of finishing.
Having attempted the Welsh 3000s four times and completed it three, I know first hand just how tough, and how rewarding, this challenge really is.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my favourite day hikes in Snowdonia National Park.
I’d genuinely love to know what you think. Have I missed any gems? Which ones would make your list?
If I had to pick a top three, it would be the Nantlle Ridge, Cnicht and the Moelwyns, and the Snowdon Horseshoe. All three offer something slightly different, but each one delivers that proper mountain day feeling you don’t forget in a hurry.
One thing I do want to stress though, this is not a beginner list.
All but one of these hikes, Aber Falls, are seriously challenging. They involve big days out, plenty of elevation, and in many cases some level of scrambling and exposure. These are the kind of routes that will test your fitness, your head for heights, and your decision making.
Only take them on if you are properly prepared. That means good fitness, the right clothing, enough food and water, and a reliable navigation app or map. Always check the forecast before you go, and be willing to turn back if conditions are not right.
It might sound obvious, but too many people head into the mountains underprepared and end up relying on mountain rescue. Don’t be that person.
Get it right though, pick a good day, come prepared, and these hikes will give you some of the best experiences you can have in the UK mountains.
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You can find more Snowdonia and North Wales inspiration in the following blogs
The must-visit photography spots in Snowdonia National Park
The best places to watch the sunrise in Snowdonia National Park
The 10 best places to watch the sunset in Snowdonia National Park & North Wales
Hike Guides
For more Welsh travel inspiration check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite Welsh regions below.
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